March 13, Blythe, CA to Salome, AZ:

After only 4 miles of cycling this morning, we pushed our bikes up an incline and walked across the Colorado River to Arizona, our first state crossing (celebrated with margaritas later at dinner).

Then the real fun began, riding for 20 miles along the shoulder of I-10. I didn’t need the IPod and speakers as I had the constant sound of trucks whizzing by.

We detoured off the interstate in the town of Quartzsite to visit Sweet Darlene’s, known for baked goods. I was diverted by a display of rocks and gems from all over the world, though specifically interested in the local quartz.

Also stopped to visit the Tyson’s Well Stage Coach Museum, where they are excavating the site of an old hotel.

Among the local memorabilia are several stone miniatures created by a rock hound named Mr. Barrett.

I explored so long that the sag driver called to be sure I was ok – they’ll have to learn about my dawdling style. Little Bo Peep watching over some of her sheep:

Sadly, after filling my water bottles and eating a snack, it was back on I-10 for another 11 miles. It was definitely heating up and we took some much needed shade under an exit overpass.

It was quite exciting to see the exit for US 60 and bid most of the trucks goodby.

On to Brenda, where the local store had closed, replaced by this interestingly designed snack shop. I drank a huge container of fresh squeezed lemonade (think State Fair).

Check out the size of the saguaro cactuses in the area:

Just when we were more than hot, we passed through Hope (my apologies to all teachers).

Overnight, we are staying at Sheffler’s Motel in Salome. This is like a time warp, a single story U-shaped groups of rooms around a pool (quite empty), just liked we stopped as youngsters when on driving trips before the interstates. I have a single room tonight.

Total 64 hot miles.